We’ve just had an over-excited email from the SPAM lot, who are keen to let you know that their 12 hour race (which this year will be a sensible 12 til 12). It seems a shame to dilute their enthusiasm, so here goes:

The Erlestoke 12 race is nearly here – it kicks off at noon on 28 May 2011. You can race for 6 or 12 hours in a team, a pair or a Billy-no-Mates solo. If you don’t like gears, there’s a singlespeed category, too but why make it more difficult? Nigel Sadd, who’s actually a very happy chap, has set another fantastic course with some interesting variations on last year’s course, consisting of a 7 mile lap offering fantastic mountain biking including fast tracks, grassy inclines and descents and boasts almost 50%, fun, technical wooded singletrack leaving riders grinning from ear to ear! We are limited to 500 riders and the entries are filling up. If there are spaces left, we will take entries on the day so keep an eye on the website for updates.

The race village will spring into life on Saturday morning Village offering demo bikes from CHARGE, trade stands, official timing with up to date lap times on display from Timelaps, quality catering and MULE BAR will be offering tasters and top tunes! Charge bikes, the main sponsor are offering demo bikes and let’s hope that the medical support isn’t required. Chill out in the village with food from Luffy’s bus or a coffee from Colonel Grumpy as you watch the racers and wait for your lap. Camping will be available on Friday night but make sure that you bring your own water as there’s no supply.

Misty trails on the Plain.

Is that Sam Humphries?

CHARGE Bikes, our main sponsor from Set2Rise, are still with us and as usual will be offering a generous array of prizes, so there’s plenty of incentive to get on the podium in all categories. They have also printed a limited number of cool Erlestoke 12 T-shirts which will be on sale if you’re not lucky enough to win one. Prize-giving will take place for each race as soon as possible after the finish.